Waterlooplein District Guide in Amsterdam

On a trip to Amsterdam? Don't miss the oldest chip market in the Netherlands and visit Waterlooplein!

Located east of the centre of Amsterdam, next to the Plantage district, Waterlooplein organizes around the square of the same name. For the anecdote, it is on this square that the standard level of Amsterdam is located, that is to say the point in relation to which the altitudes of the country are calculated. Water columns indicate the different sea levels in the area. At the tourist level there are several good reasons to visit the Waterlooplein district.

The area is mostly known to shopping enthusiasts thanks to its flea market that dates back to 1893. Although this one is worth the detour, it would be a shame to reduce your visit to this only activity. In fact, in Waterlooplein there are also museums not to be missed as the house of Rembrandt, and renowned cultural places such as the "stopera", nickname given to the National Opera. It is also a cosmopolitan area where small bars and restaurants are nestled, perfect to taste different cuisines in the world.

For all these reasons, Wanderlix offers you this mini-guide to visit the Waterlooplein district!

The Waterlooplein neighborhood in a few words

The Waterlooplein district corresponds to the former Jewish quarter called Jodenbuurt. It was in this perimeter that the majority of the Jewish community in the city was concentrated before the Second World War. The first community settled in the 16th century after fleeing the ongoing persecution in the Iberian Peninsula. Other communities follow, leading to the construction of 4 synagogues, one of which still exists. In the 17th century, the neighbourhood sheltered famous inhabitants, including Rembrandt who was there his house-worker and the philosopher Spinoza .

In the 19th century, two channels were combined to form Waterlooplein, Waterloo Square, in honour of the battle the Netherlands and their allies won against Napoleon. In 1893, the first market took place and, over the years, became an important place for trade in the city. Today, few original buildings remain. Indeed, the neighbourhood is largely destroyed during the Second World War and its deported population. A long period of reconstruction ensued, which knew its peak in the 1990s with the building of the complex comprising the city hotel and the national opera.

Today, with demographic pressure, the neighborhood stretches east with the Plantage and north with the old warehouses on the docks.

What to see and what to do in Waterlooplein?

The crowds of tourists do not necessarily think of visiting the Waterlooplein district, yet many points of interest are there.

The chip market

As mentioned above, this is the oldest market in the country. It originates from the fact that the Jews did not have the right to hold trades, so they sold on the street. It is open every day until 5pm except on Sunday when it is closed. You find everything in an impressive bric-to-brac, so you have to look for a vintage pepit. Today, it is mainly intended to attract tourists and pickpockets who go with it! But the atmosphere is friendly and it is one of the few places you can market.

Rembrandt's house

This is the uncontourable to visit in Waterlooplein! The painter bought this Renaissance-style building in 1639 and lived there until 1659 with his wife, when he was forced to sell it to repay his debts. It was thanks to the inventory of the property during the sale that the museum was able to be designed so that the artist’s living environment could be restored as faithfully as possible. You can see the kitchens, the cabinet that was used to expose the artist’s works for art dealers, his room and his workshop among others. Original works are exhibited, including the impressive production of engravings by the master.

The Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum

This is the only museum of this type in the Netherlands, so you should not miss it during your visit to the Waterlooplein district. Its permanent exhibition presents Jewish religion and culture as well as community history in Holland. The synagogue is the last standing of the 4 large synagogues in the 17th century. You can admire the vaults in cradle, the high columns of antique style and the holy ark. The building also houses the Montezinos library which is placed on the UNESCO list.

The Stopera

For some, this nickname comes from the contraction of the word stadhuis that means city hotel and word opera . For others, it comes from the controversy that demanded the stop of its construction. The ensemble was inaugurated in 1986 and hosts the city hotel, the national opera and the national ballet company. Today, everyone agrees to say that we must go to a show in its huge room. If you don’t have a lot of time to visit Waterlooplein, free concerts are held in the home on mid-September to May.

Guided visits to Waterlooplein

On foot

If you are interested in the history of the Jewish community and want further explanations, the Jewish Historical Museum and other companies are organizing visits to the Waterlooplein district. The ticket gives you more access to the main related monuments and is often coupled with the visit of the house of Anne Frank . Prices vary from 17€ to more 100€ depending on the body, places you want to visit and if you take the private visit option or not.

A bike

As Amsterdam and the bike are inseparable, take one to visit Waterlooplein! Most bike rentals offer guided tours of the city that pass through all historical districts, some even offer audio-guides. However, there are no specific guided tours. Otherwise you can find and book an online bike ride on the theme of Anne-Frank that makes visiting the Waterlooplein district. Count 20€ per person in appeal price.

Around the Gassan diamond factory

It is impossible to visit the Waterlooplein district without hearing about the Gassan diamond factory. The building is located on Uilenburg, an island attached to the centrum of Amsterdam during the installation of the first Jewish communities in the neighborhood. The factory offers a free one-hour tour to present the company’s history and the workshop of diamond polishers. This is an opportunity to see how the Gassan 121 is carved, a 121-faceted diamond and to dream a little.

The best hotels to stay in Waterlooplein

This district offers the advantage of being in the centre of Amsterdam, close to the great points of interest while being quiet. Establishments Ecomama and Motel One Amsterdam are parfais drop points to visit Waterlooplein.

The first is a new generation youth hostel that tries to integrate ecology and sustainable development into its operation. While being very design. The hostel offers dorm beds less than 20€ at night but also private rooms from 74€ at night.

Motel One also offers common spaces to the trendy decoration that mixes Rembrandt paintings and contemporary furniture. However, the rates are higher, count minimum 100€ per night.

You also find nearby the Holiday Inn Express which has more rooms.

Where to eat in Waterlooplein?

Waterlooplein is a cosmopolitan area where all the world's kitchens are cosmopolitan. Often they take shape in small snacks or food-trucks. One of the most popular is Piadina Factory which proposes to take away these famous wheat cakes with fresh products.

If you want to sit down, why not opt for delicious pancakes in the well-named Moak Pancakes ? The thick American pancakes are infinity in this restaurant with even a vegan version. In the same vein, Dignita Hoftuin serves very good brunch with views of beautiful gardens.

To please you for dinner, don't look for and go to the restaurant Warehouse to taste an inventive cuisine of fresh products. Located, as its name suggests, in old warehouses, the restaurant changes its dishes daily according to the arrivals. You won't be disappointed. But think about booking.

How to get to Waterlooplein?

To visit Waterlooplein, you can:

• Take the metro from the central station. The stop of the same name is on the lines 51 , 53 and 54.
• Use the tram by taking the line 14.
• Going on foot or by bike, for the most athletic since the district is part of the old centre's boroughs.

Have you ever visited Waterlooplein? Tell us your visit!